Darkness Falls

Darkness falls.

I huddle closer, seeking the warmth of my mother. We live in peace, surrounded by natural beauty and endless acres of food in sight. The creatures here we encounter are docile, even curious. Bystanders.

We rule this land, like our fathers and grandfathers before us. Yet, there is evil here that we cannot fight, older than us all. And he is here tonight.

A crack pierces through the night. The roar of the beast disturbs our slumber. Panic, terror, confusion. We can never predict when he comes, we do only what instincts tell us — run.

A blinding light.
A brilliant flash.
Everything, white.
I am frozen on the patch of ground I stand on.

I see nothing, hear nothing, and feel nothing as my mothers crumples softly beside me.

It’s quiet now. The winds carry away our sadness. The trees stop swaying and the leaves settle and fall back onto the mossy floor.

Her heart beats one last time, and stops.
He drags her away, slowly, impatiently.
Where she goes I know I cannot follow.

I’m not alone, my herd is with me.
Life will go on — until next time, when darkness falls.